Core Values Series: Cultivate Spiritual Growth
Dear Parents and Friends of Sheboygan Christian School,
As we reflect on Christ’s entrance into the world and His love for us this season, we want you to know that Christ’s love is celebrated every day at Sheboygan Christian School.
Spiritual growth is often represented by an increase in a spiritual discipline or a positive change in one’s demeanor or lifestyle. However, when we consider what the Bible tells us about spiritual maturity, the most important aspect of our spirituality is our love for God first.
“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.” -C.S. Lewis
How do we teach and cultivate a deep love for God first? We teach our students about who God is -His character, His promises, His love for His children. We all know that to love someone deeply is to first get to know them. This very important aspect of our curriculum is what sets us apart from other schools. Although most schools may have moral and character training, and maybe even Christian teachers, most schools do not directly teach about who God is and how much He loves us.
Part of our deep love for our Father includes a personal response, particularly including devotion, prayer, praise and worship. At Sheboygan Christian School, we model these responses, and we practice them daily through devotion time, regular prayer, and scheduled chapel time. It’s not just routine. Teachers model their love for God, and students have opportunities to practice their personal responses to God by having individual opportunities to pray, lead devotions, and plan and lead worship. Our students are highly involved in these practices; they are not just observers. Because they are not just observers, they are developing confidence and boldness in modeling it for others. I witnessed this recently when I was subbing in a classroom. Before lunch, I was getting ready to pray, and a student eagerly volunteered to pray. Similarly, when asked to write thank you notes to our donors, students often wrote about loving SCS as a place to pray, worship, and talk about God. Our students want to show their love for God. Our students and teachers are cultivating spiritual growth each day.
As parents and community members, we invite you to be a part of the spiritual growth of our children. Attend our chapel time, pray with our students (and invite them to pray), and talk to them about their relationships with God. Be a part of an eternal investment!
May God bless you as you celebrate God’s love for us this Christmas!
Ann Steenwyk
Director of Academics & Instruction